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Why is Friday the 13th known as an unlucky day?

Are you "very superstitious"?
Credit: Andrzej Tokarski
Friday the 13th

We all know it and we've all seen those scary but cult-classic movies. It's Friday the 13th and everyone (almost) is freaking out.

We may associate this day with black cats, broken mirrors and opening umbrellas indoors but why? Why is Friday the 13th known as a day of bad luck?

Well, here are a few reason why this day has been designated an unlucky day.

One big reason stems from Christianity.

Jesus was crucified on a Friday. According to a history professor from Iowa State University, ever since that day, Friday has been associated with "general ill omen."

Also, in medieval times, Friday was the known as "hangman's day" and we all can pretty much guess what that meant.

As for the number "13" being unlucky, the reason also stems from Christianity.

The Last Supper had exactly 13 guests sitting at the table and one of those who ended betraying Jesus was one of those guests.

You may have heard of him, his name was Judas Iscariot.

The fear of Friday the 13th has an actual name and it's very long and very hard to pronounce.

It's paraskevidekatriaphobia. Try saying that three times, fast.

We will be seeing Friday the 13th one more time in 2018 on July 13, so be prepared.

Whether or not you believe in this superstitious day, just remember, it's still Friday which means it's the weekend and that's always something to feel lucky about.

Catherine Park is an Associate Digital Producer with 11Alive and contributed to this article.

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